Transformative Language Arts (TLA) draws upon the power of writing, storytelling, performance, music, and other word arts for personal and social transformation.

 

Core to my life's work is founding TLA in 2000 first as a master's program at Goddard College. From there, it's blossomed into an emergy profession and field of study, naming for many a vibrant life calling. In 2003, I launched the Power of Words conference, which brings together people globally to explore liberation, social change, healing, and community-building through writing, storytelling, theater, spoken word, music, and other arts. With Power of Words attendees in 2005, I co-founded the TLA Network, an innovative non-profit offering online classes, training, resources, events, and the Power of Words conference.

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Transformative Language artists envision a merger of the the language arts with individual and collective liberation: writing, storytelling, theatre, and music can work towards community-building, cultural and ecological restoration, and personal development.

 

I've had the joy of co-editing two seminal TLA anthologies, The Power of Words: A TLA Reader  (Transformative Language Arts Press) with Janet Tallman, and Transformative Language Arts in Action (Rowan and Littlefield) with Ruth Farmer.

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While Goddard is no longer operating, the TLA Network is flourishing with many offerings and inspirations, including:

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• A certification in Transformative Language Arts

• The annual Power of Words Conference

• Dynamic online classes

• Virtual salons and community writing circles

• A resource library

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Find out more at TLANetwork.org, and please consider joining us!